THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 175 



various outlets, develops the muscular powers, creates a natural 

 appetite, improves the wind, and finally invigorates the whole 

 system. The exhaustion produced by want of rest is equally 

 dangerous ; such horses, at certain seasons of the year, are always 

 among the first victims, and when attacked their recovery is 

 generally protracted. 



As regards cleanliness, the brush and curry-comb should be 

 used morning and evening ; the latter, however, must be dispensed 

 with when the" horse is laboring under any form of cutaneous 

 disease, at least while in its acute stage. Good rubbing promotes 

 the circulation of blood through the capillary vessels, acts as a 

 counter irritant, and relieves congestions. Many of the diseases 

 to which horses are subject, more particularly those of the ali- 

 mentary canal, have their origin in a filthy skin. We are decid- 

 edly opposed to the use of the curry-comb with a view of divesting 

 the horse's legs of mud and filth, for the parts below the knee and 

 hock are destitute of fleshy fibre ; from which circumstance the 

 periosteum, enveloping the bone, is more exposed to violence 

 from the teeth and edges of the curry-comb. If a horse comes 

 from his work covered with mud, the better plan would be to 

 detach it, when dry, with a wisp of straw, after which a good 

 stiff* brush will put on the polish. 



The admission of light into stables, being a subject next in 

 importance to the former, deserves a passing notice. Nothing is 

 so detrimental to the eyes as sudden transitions from comparative 

 darkness to a glaring light ; and probably many of our readers 

 have, at some time, experienced the very unpleasant sensation 

 of mingled pain and giddiness, which is not readily dismissed, after 

 emerging from a dark room, and suddenly coming in contact with 

 the glaring rays of the sun ; and if they have, they know how to 

 sympathize with a poor horse. 



Treatment. — As soon as the inflammatory symptoms make 

 their appearance, the patient should be placed in a situation where 

 he shall be free from annoyance of every kind. A cool shed, 

 rather darkened, will be the most desirable place ; a very light 

 diet of scalded shorts, or gruel, will be all the patient needs, until 

 the inflammatory symptoms somewhat abate. 



We commence the treatment by administering an active or 



